Garden 6 min

Stewartia monodelpha

On the summer camellia, the island of Yakushima, and a special envoy from across the water

Stewartia monodelpha, Orangebark Stewartia, Summer camellia, Hime-Shara — whichever name you choose, is one of the most beguiling trees you will ever encounter. This tree looks like a special envoy from a different place.

Hime-shara is a tree to inspire a poem, or a tree to sit under and contemplate during a quiet sunny day. It fits in well with coniferous and native northwestern plantings but seems to tell a story of a different ancient place across the water in Japan and Korea. Art Kruckeberg enlisted in the Navy during WWII and was stationed in Japan. One wonders if he visited the Jomon Sugi.

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